Head blocks
Laser head blocks, which house the reflective cavity, rod, and lamp are typically machined from non-corroding metals or plastics. Metals are more durable than plastics but have the drawback of being electrically conductive. Extra care must be taken with the design of lamp connector insulation to accommodate metal head assemblies. Plastic heads are electrically insular but are more susceptible to degradation caused by long term exposure to ultraviolet lamp radiation.
Head block manufacturing requires fairly complex machining of various openings, grooves, slots, cooling channels, etc., which are necessary to accurately capture the cavity, lamp, rod, and flow tube assemblies for ease of installation and alignment, and maximum cooling water flow. The various openings are sealed with gaskets and O-Rings which are available in kits.